In a decisive move to safeguard harmony and peaceful coexistence in Ado Ekiti, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has dissolved the Sharia panel recently established at the Central Mosque in the city. The revered monarch announced this resolution on Saturday during a high-profile meeting involving chiefs, community leaders, and prominent Islamic figures.
The meeting, held in Ado Ekiti, was attended by Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo, and Delta states, along with other Muslim leaders. The monarch’s intervention followed rising tensions sparked by the Sharia panel’s activities and the broader implications for legal and social stability within the community.
This action comes shortly after the Ekiti State government clarified its position on the matter, asserting that the state’s legal framework does not recognize Sharia Courts or Arbitration Panels. The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dayo Apata (SAN), had emphasized that matters relating to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance, have long been effectively handled by existing courts, such as the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and the High Court. He reiterated that these institutions have resolved such disputes without any history of unrest or discontent.
Oba Adejugbe, addressing the gathering, said, “The Sharia issue is a sensitive matter, and as the custodian of our community’s peace, I summoned the Chief Imam, his associates, members of the Ewi-in-Council, the President of the Ado Progressives Union, and representatives of Ado indigenes. We discussed this matter exhaustively, and it was clear that while the intentions of the committee at the Central Mosque were internal and aimed at resolving disputes, the timing and context of such a panel are not in the community’s best interest.”
The monarch stressed the importance of reverting to traditional methods of dispute resolution, which have historically maintained peace without formal committees. He added, “The mood of the nation will not permit such arrangements now. If we allow such a committee, it sets a precedent for others. Christians may form similar panels in churches, and traditional worshippers may follow suit. This could lead to unnecessary divisions and conflicts.”
In a firm declaration, the Ewi stated, “The Sharia panel stands dissolved. This decision reflects the collective will of the Ewi-in-Council and the Ado Ekiti people. We must prioritize unity and uphold the practices of our founding fathers in resolving disputes amicably.”
The decision has been widely lauded as a step toward preserving the cultural and legal harmony in Ekiti State. It underscores the role of traditional rulers in mediating complex issues and fostering inclusivity within their domains.
As the dust settles on this contentious issue, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti’s proactive stance has reinforced the importance of mutual respect, dialogue, and adherence to existing legal frameworks to maintain peace in a diverse society.
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